Muzammil captures maiden ranking tennis title

ISLAMABAD: Muzammil Murtaza landed his maiden national ranking men’s singles title beating Mohammad Abid in straight sets in the First Chairman JCSC final at the PTF Complex Saturday.

Muzammil won 7-5, 6-3 to win the title he had been cherishing for during the last couple of years. Muzammil was leading 5-0 in the first set courtesy to some powerful forehand and backhand drives from the baseline. Abid had no clue as how the final was rapidly twisting Muzammil’s way at the outset of first set. Abid recovered well and took the attack back to his opponent drawing level at 5-5. “I came under pressure knowing well that the first set was just around the corner and started hitting erratic shots. It was only after my coach Hameedul Haq changed my racket and boosted my confidence that I started playing my normal game,” Muzammil said.

After winning the first set at 7-5, Muzammil was seen playing at his best in the second that he dominated to take the set and the match.

“During the last two years I have played so many finals and even had snatched set from Aqeel but was never able to win the title. I am thankful to Allah Almighty that I have finally made it,” Muzammil said.

Earlier, Mahin Aftab got better of her experienced opponent Sara Mansoor 6-4, 6-3 to win the women singles title. Mahin was seen playing her best tennis, making it all the more difficult for Sara to stage a recovery in both sets.

Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee General Zubair Mehmood Hayat was the guest of honour.

The chief guest was welcomed by Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) president Salim Saifullah Khan.